Romans 5:1-5

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:1-5

The parable of the Sower teaches that some fall away when tribulation or persecution arises. Yet Paul tells us that tribulations can produce perseverance, character, and hope. Trials, while painful, can be the very thing that deepens our roots in Christ. There’s a cost to this thing we call Christianity. It’s not for the faint of heart. It’s not for the emotional. It’s not for the weak-minded because there will be afflictions and there will be persecutions that are going to test the depth of your root.

Have you recently or are you currently going through a trial in your life? How might God be using this to strengthen your faith? Instead of praying for the trial to end, ask God to help you grow through it, bearing the fruit of perseverance and hope.

Pastor Wade O’Neill